After a convincing season last year, the Alton Silverbacks champions entered new territory as they faced their first game in Hampshire Premiership against New Milton. In the end, this proved a convincing display and will give much confidence to a young side who will know they can compete at this level.
New Milton kicked off and spent much of the early minutes in the Alton half, but rarely threatened the Alton line. The Alton defensive line out was already stopping some momentum with Alex George stealing the first turnover of many all afternoon.
Taking a penalty, Cameron Wicks kicked deep into New Milton territory for the first time, and the forwards seemed destined to score through Tom Smethurst after an impressive rolling maul, but New Milton resisted well. However Alton soon recycled, spun the ball wide and a great backs move created space for Ryan Bale to score the first try in the corner. Wicks converted from a tight angle and Alton were 7-0 up after 8 minutes.
New Milton came straight back at Alton who were possibly over guilty of over playing in their own half. However New Milton also never created clear chances through intricate play although they did earn a penalty after a period of pressure and cut the lead to 7-3.
Alton were soon under pressure again, but Wicks kicked deep into the corner, New Milton were caught offside and Alton extended their lead 10-3.
Alton were having less territory at this point but were looking dangerous whenever in the New Milton half
George won yet another New Milton line out and Alton marched upfield. This time George took again, and after some tight play within the forwards, Ryan Capes crashed over to extend the lead 15-3.
Alton were looking the fitter side at this point, Brendan Sumner stormed through the centre and Wicks was controlling the game at fly half. Another penalty to Alton extended the lead to 18-3 and New Milton were looking rattled. Half time 18-3.
The Silverbacks forwards started the second half on the front foot, bossing the scrum, winning two against the head and driving the New Milton pack at will.
Perhaps, a sign of an early season rustiness from both teams there were a number of knocks and neither team were able to demonstrate their dominance, but after a deft pass out wide, New Milton scored a surprising try and they were back in the game 18-8.
New Milton came straight back at Alton, but after a promising attack, Cameron Hamer intercepted and was immediately tackled high. The subsequent yellow card seemed to deflate New Milton.
Wicks kicked deep into the corner, the impressive backs combined and Wicks cut a great angle for a well-deserved try which he subsequently converted 25-8.
Alton had several ex Colts on the field, Ben Burrage at lock forward was impressive and combined well with the experienced front row, the forwards looked to have a great balance all afternoon
Further Colts joined the fray as substitutes, Alex El-Batal collected well from the kick off and made good ground, Wicks cleverly kicked through and Sumner appeared to touch down but it was not awarded. Alton were running everything now, the game became very open but Alton were unable to score a bonus point try.
New Milton rallied, kicked the ball through and Harry Devonshire was penalised with a yellow card for holding a player back. A quickly taken penalty was converted in the corner but it was too little too late. The game was up and New Milton barely celebrated 25-13. Game over.
This was a really impressive start by Alton, despite missing several players, and will give them good confidence for the forthcoming season. They know that this year will prove a significant challenge, but the initial signs are promising for the Silverbacks